Blinding Fear

by Roland, Bruce

  “Thanks for dinner, Kyung” Herc said. “Really appreciate it. You’re a great cook.”

  “I’ve got to agree,” Claire added.

  “You’re welcome and thank you,” she replied in slightly accented English. “It is the least I can do after all you have been through.” She shook her head. “I can’t get over all the terrible things that awful FBI agent tried to do to you and Mr. Javad! It really angers me!”

  Kay patted her knee. “It’s okay, honey. We may have dodged a lot of real and virtual bullets but it’s all over....at least for the time being.” He looked at Herc. “On the way back you said you had some ideas about what we could do. Have you determined how all the ‘moving parts’ of this plan of yours fit together?”

  Herc thought for a few seconds. “Yeah, I think I may have worked it out.” He hesitated then plunged ahead. “To be honest, for a while I thought I would retreat to my house in Nevada to try to ride things out. Of course, I’d have invited you all. But then I began considering how long all of those ‘things’ would last. After all the tsunamis receded and half of the world’s people were gone, there’d still be literal fire and brimstone raining from the heavens causing whole continents to go up in flames. Smoke would blanket the skies. It would be so thick sunlight would be reduced to the point all crops worldwide would fail for at least one full season. Net affect: It’s unlikely anyone on the surface of the planet survives past two years. Which brings us back to why world governments tried to send six people to the ISS. They clearly knew what might be coming. They knew humanity couldn’t possibly survive—at least on the surface. So they decided to send up three teams of Adams and Eves to ride it out in the ISS, 250 miles above the devastation. Those six return after about two years to begin repopulating, regrowing and rebuilding in the ashes.”

  “That’s the one thing that puzzled me when they announced the so-called long-duration team,” Claire responded. “I thought humans couldn’t survive in orbit for more than a year because of zero gravity. And I thought the effects of the asteroid would last longer than that.”

  “The actual record is 438 days by a Russian cosmonaut in the mid-Nineties,” Herc replied. “But yeah, zero-g is devastating to the human body. Researchers discovered, however, there was one huge key that mitigated the debilitating effects—weight-bearing exercise, and lots of it. As long as you work hard on the treadmill, and the other machines specifically designed for the ISS, when you come down you won’t collapse because your muscles and bones have turned to jello. And that’s exactly what all of them would’ve been doing about 6 to 8 hours a day—the ISS equivalent of pumping iron.”

  “I don’t understand where you are going, Herc. Those poor people are all dead now,” Kyung said. “And from what I’ve heard on the news, even if they could get another group of Adams and Eves together in time, there are no rockets available anywhere in the world to take them up.”

  Herc smiled slyly. “Not quite.”

  Kay quizzically looked at Herc. “Are you taking this where I think you are?”

  It suddenly hit Claire where Herc was leading. “Of course! You want to use Kay’s Antonov-225 and the Spacerider to take another team to the ISS!”

  “Yes,” Herc answered.

  “But where would you get the people?” Kyung asked.

  “I’m not sure. At first I thought about just volunteering Kay’s launch and orbital vehicles directly to the government but soon realized there was no way they could pull together another team in time,” Herc explained. “They’d get bogged down in political infighting and bickering right up to the end. We’ve got less than two weeks until the asteroid hits.” He paused. “Then I realized the answer was staring me in the face.”

  “Of course!” Kay interjected. “We assemble a team from the employees right here! We’ve got a little under a hundred on the base now. From what I’ve heard, we’ve lost about fifty who decided they wanted to go home. But of those that remain I’ll bet we could find the right mix of youth, fertility, skill-sets, compatibility and ethnic diversity.”

  Herc looked at Claire, hesitated, then said, “To be honest, part of my plan was that two members of the team would be......you and I.”

  “Are you kidding?!” Claire replied. “I’m in my mid-thirties. In the OB-GYN world I’m what they refer to as AMA—advanced maternal age. And I sure don’t have a skill you’d need when you’re in orbit or when they return. I’m a writer!”

  “You have three things I think are indispensable to the future of the human race,” Herc responded.”You have a brilliant mind, a compassionate, loving personality and I’m guessing you have a rich ethnic background. With a name like McBeth you’re father’s ancestors probably came from Scotland or Ireland and with such beautiful skin your mom’s family was certainly from Africa.”

  Secretly, she was relieved. The thought of she and Herc spending the rest of their lives together—even on a devastated Earth—was positively euphoric!

  “Staying on the honesty theme,” Kay soberly cut in, “what about ‘you selecting you.’ You’re over fifty, Herc. This mission needs young men.”

  “I thought about that a lot too, Kay. I’d agree except the team is going to need the most experienced atmospheric and orbital pilot we’ve got—that’s me. There’s no pilot on our team left who could remotely fill the bill on both accounts. It’d be tragic if after two years in orbit, the pilot they had couldn’t get them down to Earth safely. We only have a small pool of potential candidates to draw from. We’re going to have to make compromises somewhere.”

  Kay thought for a moment then relented. “I guess you’re right.”

  “Unfortunately, however, there are any number of other very large, potential problems,” Herc stated. “We’ve got to get the Spacerider mated to the 225. That could take a couple of days by itself starting from scratch. Both vehicles would have to be thoroughly checked out, of course. Once we select a team to go up they have to be trained for space flight and how to work, sleep, eat, exercise and use the zero-g toilet in orbit, among other difficult things. They also have to be fitted with space suits and trained in their use. And of course we have to calculate the exact time to launch so that we use the minimum amount of fuel to reach the ISS. And.....we have to delay our launch until after the government tries to take out the asteroid. Obviously, if they’re successful there’d be no point in launching at all. But we still have to plan and prepare as if we’re going to.”

  “What will we do if some of those people who’ve already gone home were key personnel?” Claire asked. “Maybe all your Antonov-225 pilots went home; maybe all the jet engine mechanics. What if all the techs who handle and fit the space suits are now gone? The list is just about endless!” Suddenly she felt a pang of guilt. Almost certainly they were now debating the same way scientists and politicians worldwide had when they discovered the asteroid nearly a year before. She’d been highly critical of them for trying to limit their losses of important people by covering up the asteroid’s approach. Of course, there was no excuse for the brutality of their methods but she could again see that desperate times frequently bring out the worst in people. The word “hypocrite” came to mind as she considered her positions then and now. She looked at Kay and Herc. They too had looks on their faces that said they were looking back with some regret. Now they were the ones who would have to figure out how to accomplish a mammoth task, with limited personnel, in a very short time.

  Chapter 46

  Claire was worried. The next hour could well determine nothing less than the survival of the human race.

  Kay stood before the assembled employees of KS Space Tourism who’d decided to remain through the crisis. He’d positioned himself on the fourth step of an A-frame ladder, microphone in hand, preparing to deliver what was undoubtably the most important speech of his, or for that matter, anybody else’s life. Concern and worry were evident on everyone’s face. As was the case in most companies, his employees had probably already figured out—and specu
lated with each other—that something of great importance was about to occur.

  It was a little after 9:00 a.m. and they were congregated in the main hangar that held the Antonov-225 and the Spacerider. Claire, Herc, Kyung and other executives were off to one side waiting to see what he said. Kay had said that perhaps a third of his employees had left. As she did a rough count, it looked as if some more may have gone home during the night or simply not reported for work at all. There was one thing she was slightly encouraged about: the crowd before her was fairly diverse in terms of gender, ethnicity and age. Whether they had the skills she, Kay and Herc were looking for was another thing entirely.

  Claire slept poorly after she left Kay and Kyung’s home the night before. Herc had driven her to her house in one of the company’s golf carts. As she stepped out, he asked if he could come in. She was tempted but decided this was not the time for the romantic interlude she suspected he had in mind. She could see the disappointment on his face but he smiled, gave her a gentle kiss and left.

  In spite of taking a couple of sleep aid tablets, she tossed and turned until nearly 2 a.m.. When she did fall asleep she frustratingly dreamed again of the dump truck crashing into their limo in Colorado Springs; the vile, twisted face of the driver staring at her through the window. This time, however, he was able to open the door and reach in for her. She forced herself awake just as his filthy hand closed around her throat.

  Claire shook her head to clear the unpleasant thoughts and looked up as Kay began to speak.

  “Good morning, everyone. I’m very gratified to see the majority of our work force has decided to stay with us during these difficult times. Although I can in no way disparage those of you who decided to be with family and friends, it is, nonetheless, a strong testament to your excellent character and strong work ethic, that you are here with me. I thank you!”

  The crowd applauded loudly. Claire heard someone yell, “We’re with you Kay.” Another called out, “All the way with Kay.” The crowd laughed in response.

  Kay smiled and continued. “I’ve called you here because of the catastrophe that may befall our world. Not to simply discuss it, but in a very real way, to build a path forward out of the possible destruction for all of us.

  As you all know, the international community unsuccessfully tried to send three men and three women to the ISS. Their hope was that if the asteroid did strike the Earth and render it lifeless, those six pioneers would return in two years and begin the process of rebuilding our civilization. There is not enough time now—or rocket boosters—for the international community to make a second attempt. That is what I want to talk to you about. It is where all of you can play a vital part. Quite simply, I propose if our government is not able to destroy or deflect the asteroid, that we—KS Space Tourism—will make the second attempt. That we become the mechanism and means that allows the human race to continue!”

  The crowd applauded again, only louder and with some cheers.

  “Obviously, we created these facilities to send people into orbit. That is exactly what I want to do now. The only difference is that we need some of you to be the ones inside the Spacerider as it travels to the ISS. We want you to become the founders of a great new society built upon the ashes of the old!”

  There was only a smattering of applause this time. Claire looked at the assemblage again. People were glancing at each other with looks that said, ‘I’m not, but are you going to volunteer?’

  “We already have two volunteers but need to have four more. The qualifications are essentially what you heard about the team that tragically died in the explosion. Naturally, we will give you as much training as we can given the short time left to us. If you’re interested, please text your name to my phone within the next hour. Your team leaders will have it. We’ll review the qualifications of those who volunteer and decide who, if any, will be selected to go.

  In the meantime, we’ll begin a day and night push to get the 225 and Spacerider ready for launch within a week. I’d like all of you to stay on base. I will provide housing and meals. See your division managers for assignments and shifts. Any questions?”

  One young man near the front raised his hand. “I haven’t got a question, just a thought, if you don’t mind.”

  “That’s quite all right. Go ahead.”

  He looked around at those nearby. “I suppose I can only speak for myself, but most of us’ve got spouses, kids and other family. I wouldn’t want to leave them at a time like this. I’ll do everything I can to help whoever volunteers to get up there, but that’s about it. Quite frankly, I’d rather die here with those I love and care for, than be up there, watching the whole world go up in smoke, knowing my family was dying a very ugly death as I watched.”

  Claire could see many in the crowd nodding in agreement.

  A woman from further back in the hangar spoke up. “I’m married, Kay. I made a vow in God’s sight to my husband that I’d be faithful to him until I die. I couldn’t kiss him good-bye in a couple of weeks knowing I was essentially going to get married again and start another family. It just doesn’t seem right!”

  Many more in the crowd seemed to agree with her.

  “Thanks for your thoughts,” Kay responded. Claire could see he was very disappointed. “Anyone else?” No one raised a hand. “Okay. I appreciate your candor but we’re still planning to move forward with things the way I’ve outlined.” He clapped loudly. “Okay folks! Let’s get going! We’ve got lots to do but not much time!”

  Kay stepped down off the ladder, walked over and jumped behind the wheel of his golf cart, signaling Claire, Herc and Kyung to join him. He drove them quickly and silently to his headquarters building, then up the stairs to his office. As Kay situated himself at his desk, Kyung, Herc and Claire sat down on the big sofa beneath the photos of the smiling customers who were already signed up to take a flight.

  “That didn’t go well,” Claire said glumly.

  “Maybe there are people who will volunteer that didn’t speak up,” Kyung said brightly.

  “I doubt it,” Kay replied looking at his smart phone, hoping it would ring. “You saw them. If we get half a dozen volunteers it will be a miracle.”

  For the next hour no one spoke, waiting and hoping for Kay’s phone to chime, signaling an incoming text. It did twice and everyone leaned forward expectantly. On both occasions they were disappointed. The texts were from Kay’s management team asking for additional guidance as they began to prepare the Antonov-225 and Spacerider for flight.

  After another half hour had dragged by no other texts had come in.

  “All right. Now what?” Kay asked, looking at Claire and Herc with great disappointment. “As I’m sure you know, to start a new civilization you need at least two, completely unrelated couples, but preferably three.”

  Kay’s phone chimed. He snatched it up and read the text. The others sat up straight, hoping for the best. As Kay read, he started to smile. “I think we’re in luck!” He turned to Claire. “You know the girl that guided you around when you first got here, Christina Miyamoto—she’s volunteered!

  “Sure, I remember her! She was very nice; quite intelligent, too.”

  “Yes, and her boyfriend,” Kay continued excitedly. “Scott Service—your pilot on the shuttle—he’s volunteered as well! They’ve been thinking about getting married anyway. Obviously, they’re both young, and as you said, very smart. Coincidently both come from single-child households—which mitigates some of the worry and sadness they might have about leaving families behind. She’s Japanese. He’s got French roots on his father’s side and Colombian on his mother’s. Quite honestly, they’re about as good a couple as we could have hoped for!”

  “But we still need another couple,” Kyung said.

  “Yeah,” Kay replied, “we’ll just have to hope a couple of volunteers come forward later. In the meantime, we’ll continue with the four we’ve got.”

  Claire turned to Herc to ask his opinion and found him
already looking at her.

  “What do you think?” he asked as he gazed at her intently. “Are you ready for the most frightening, most challenging and most important adventure in the history of the planet?!”

  Chapter 47

  Claire glanced at those sitting and standing around her intently watching the TV. No one spoke. No one smiled. They barely moved. It was almost hard to tell if they were breathing. They were waiting for the most important Presidential address in the world’s history. There was no question in her mind that wherever in the world there was a TV, computer or radio, people would be crowded around it just as she and the others with her had done.

  It was a little before 2:00 p.m. and they were in the lounge area of the hangar that had previously housed the Antonov-225 and the Spacerider. The two aircraft were now waiting outside on the sprawling tarmac, “mated” together, fully fueled and ready for use if called upon. Using a massive crane, the Spacerider had been carefully hoisted above the 225, then lowered onto the specially constructed cradle attached to the 225’s back. It would firmly secure the space plane during takeoff. At 40,000 feet, the 225 would abruptly dive steeply, then release the Spacerider to ignite its own internal rocket engines and hopefully blast into orbit.

  The hangar lounge had been designed for guests and crew to relax in as they waited to climb aboard the space plane before being launched into orbit or after they returned. Accordingly, the room had been sound-proofed, air conditioned and heated; lush carpeting and furniture installed. The windows and single door were unusually sturdy and thick to shut out the frequent thunderous noises and normally poor Texas weather.

  Claire and Herc stood to the left of the door that lead out into the cavernous hangar. Christina and Scott sat in folding chairs nearby. Kay and Kyung relaxed on one of the several sofas and lounge chairs. A young Hispanic couple, Tomas and Felicia stood to one side. Much to everyone’s relief, they’d come forward at the last minute to join the ISS mission. The only remaining employees of Kay’s company left on the base, altogether totaling fifteen and composed of an equal number of men and women, had crowded in as well.